Get Graphic: Gab Contreras' Jubilant Dirtbag

Art by Gab Contreras

Interview by Troy-Jeffrey Allen

Even dirtbags deserve the full-color treatment. 

In Dirtbag Rapture (AUG211902), Kat sees dead people. And this newfound ability gives her the unwanted task of transporting ghosts to their final location. She's a little annoyed by it, but once she discovers that she is a pawn in the ultimate battle between good and evil, she'll come around. We hope...for all our sakes.

With a story that clearly has death on the mind, you'd think Dirtbag Rapture would feature a darker color palette. Colorist Gab Contreras, however, went for a brighter and more unique direction in order to depict the afterlife. The end result is a visual feast that feels appropriately supernatural while still going against conventions.

In the following interview, Contreras invites us into her process and shows us exactly how color transforms a story.

How did you get involved with DIRTBAG RAPTURE?

[Writer] Christopher Sebela contacted me about this new project. When I read the pitch, I accepted right away!

Your Twitter mentioned you like K-Pop, The Untamed, and Drag Race. Which do you listen to when coloring?

I like different kinds of music genres, but my daily easy option would be my huge Spotify playlist with like thirty hours of k-pop, on shuffle.

What made you want to focus on coloring?

I think it was kind of accidental. I studied graphic design and I also like to draw, so when I understood the different roles in the creation of comic books, I wanted to be part of that, but I wasn't sure which was the ideal role for me. One day, I colored a drawing of a friend just for fun and there was no coming back. Then I started to color drawings I found on DeviantArt and there was a point when I decided to do it seriously and professionally.

I still like to draw, but I just do it in my free time.

What tools do you use to color?

I color in Photoshop, with a Wacom Intuo Pro.

How does character factor into how you color a comic?

Just like the other teammates on a comic project, I like to get familiarized not only with the story in general but with each character of the story. I set a mood for the story but I also try to transmit the characters' personalities through my color choices.

What is your goal when it comes to bringing colors to the page?

I try to draw attention to the characters or actions through color contrasts and always try to set different moods, changing color palettes according to the scene.

 You can discover more of Gab's work on the Witchblood from Vault. Be sure to follow her on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

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